ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
Nripendra Misra steps down as Principal Secretary to PM
Shri Nripendra Misra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister has expressed his intention to be relieved of his assignment. The Prime Minister has requested him to continue for two weeks. Further, the Prime Minister has also appointed Shri P.K. Sinha, IAS  UP:77, as Officer on Special Duty in the PMO.
In a statement, Shri Nripendra Misra said:
“It has been a privilege to serve the country under Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. I am deeply grateful to him for this opportunity and the complete confidence he has place in me.
I have enjoyed working committing my every hour and thought for more than five years, towards this satisfying journey. It is now time for me to move on, even as I remain devoted to public causes and national interests. I thank all colleagues, within and outside the Government, friends and my family for this support. I wish Shri Narendra Modi Ji, our Prime Minister, success as he leads our country into a bright future.”
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister bows to the Sea, Mother Nature
Narendra Modi Pens an emotional poem on Sagar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was at Mamallapuram, Chennai to head the 2nd India-China Informal Summit said the morning stroll along the beaches of Bay of Bengal had made him emotional and inspired him to pen a poem on the Sea and its virtues.
Titled Hey Sagar Tumhe Pranam, the poem details Prime Minister’s personal emotional connect with the Sea.
In a tweet on his personal handle @narendramodi the Prime Minister shared his poem with the public.
Ministry of Railways
Steps being taken by the Indian Railways for effective and speedy implementation of rail projects
As on 01.04.2020, 513 Railway projects of 53,039 km length, costing approx. Rs. 7.5 lakh crore are in different stages of planning/sanction/execution, out of which 10,013 km length has been commissioned and an expenditure of Rs. 1.86 lakh crore has been incurred upto March, 2020. These include:-
- 189 New line projects of 21,343 km length, costing Rs. 4,04,853 crore, out of which commissioning of 2,633 km length has been achieved and expenditure of Rs. 94,575 crore has been incurred upto March, 2020.
- 54 Gauge Conversion projects of 7,003 km length, costing Rs. 59,699 crore, out of which commissioning of 3,733 km length has been achieved and expenditure of Rs. 23,405 crore has been incurred upto March, 2020.
- 270 Doubling projects of 24,693 km length, costing Rs. 2,85,324 crore, out of which commissioning of 3,647 km length has been achieved and expenditure of Rs. 67,816 crore has been incurred upto March, 2020.
Completion of a Railway project depends on various factors like expeditious land acquisition by State Government, forest clearance by officials of forest department, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory clearances from various authorities, geological and topographical conditions of area, law and order situation in the area of project site, number of working months in a year for particular project site due to climatic conditions etc. and all these factors affect the completion time and cost of the project which is finally worked out at the completion stage.
Various steps being taken by the Government for effective and speedy implementation of rail projects include  prioritisation of projects  substantial increase in allocation of funds on priority projects  delegation of powers at field level  close monitoring of progress of project at various levels  regular follow up with State Governments and concerned authorities for expeditious land acquisition, forestry and Wildlife clearances and for resolving other issues pertaining to projects.
Average annual Budget allocation in the Indian Railways for New Line, Gauge Conversion and Doubling works during 2014-19 has increased to Rs. 26,026 crore per year from Rs. 11,527 crore per year during 2009-14, which is 126% more than average annual budget outlay of 2009-14 and Revised Budget outlay of Rs. 40,757 crore was provided to these projects for financial year 2020-21 which is 254% more than average annual budget outlay of 2009-14. For financial year 2021-22, highest-ever budget outlay of Rs. 45,165 crore has been proposed for these works, which is 292% more with respect to average annual budget outlay of 2009-14.
During 2014-19, 13,124 km length  has been commissioned which is 73% more than the commissioning during 2009-14 . During 2019-20, 2,226 km length  has been commissioned which is 46% more than average annual commissioning during 2009-14 .
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Railways
Kavach tenders have been awarded for Delhi – Mumbai & Delhi – Howrah corridors 
• Indian Railways is preparing DPR and detailed estimate for another 6000 RKM
Kavach is indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection  system. Kavach is a highly technology intensive system, which requires safety certification of highest order. Kavach aids the loco pilot in train running within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case Loco Pilot fails to do so and also help the train safely run during inclement weather.
The first field trials on the passenger trains were started in February 2016. Based on the experience so gained and Independent Safety Assessment of the system by a 3rd party , three firms were approved in 2018-19, for supply of Kavach. Subsequently Kavach was adopted as a National ATP system in July 2020.
Kavach has so far been deployed on 1465 Route km and 121 locomotives  on South Central Railway. Kavach tenders have been awarded for Delhi – Mumbai & Delhi – Howrah corridors  and work is in progress on these routes. Indian Railways is preparing Detailed Project Report  and detailed estimate for another 6000 RKM.
The amount spent so far on Kavach implementation is Rs.351.91 Crores. The Cost for provision of Track side including Station equipment of Kavach is approximately Rs. 50 Lakhs/Km and cost for provision of Kavach equipment on loco is approximately Rs. 70 lakh/ loco. Presently there are three Indian OEMs who are approved for Kavach. Efforts are being made to develop more vendors to enhance the capacity and scale up the implementation of Kavach.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Home Affairs
CRPF Mahila Battalion
There are total 06  Central Reserve Police Force  Mahila battalions. The deployment of Central Forces including Mahila battalions is a dynamic process and is dependent upon Law & Order situation in different parts of the Country.
A small contingent of Mahila personnel who have given their willingness, are undergoing Basic Foundation Course of 30 days. Thereafter, they will undergo 12 weeks Pre-induction COBRA training. The final induction of these Mahila personnel in COBRA Battalion will be made after successful completion of Pre-induction training.
Mahila Battalions of CRPF are successfully performing internal security duties in various parts of the country and abroad. 05 Mahila personnel of CRPF have also been decorated with gallantry medals for their bravery.
Creche facilities have been established at 49 locations for the benefit of Mahila personnel of CRPF and an amount of Rs.50 lakhs have been allotted for their maintenance during the current financial year 2020-21. In addition, Welfare grants are also provided to Mahila Battalions for undertaking welfare activities.
Recruitment of personnel including Mahila personnel in the Force is a
Continuous process as per functional requirements of the Force as well as availability of vacancies. In order to encourage female candidates, they are exempted from application fees. There are relaxed standards in physical standard test  and physical efficiency test  for selection of more women.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Cumulative no of Houses Sanctioned Under PMAY now more than 90 Lakhs
1.23 lakh houses with an overall investment of Rs. 4,988 crores sanctioned under PMAY  in 47th CSMC
- mission has achieved milestone of more than 90 Lakh houses against the validated demand of 1.12 crore.
A total of ten states participated in the CSMC namely; West Bengal for 27,746 houses , Tamil Nadu for 26,709, Gujarat for 20,903, Punjab for 10,332, Chhattisgarh for 10,079, Jharkhand for 8,674, Madhya Pradesh for 8,314, Karnataka for 5,021, Rajasthan for 2,822 and Uttarkhand for 2,501 house. Further details are given below.
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Project Proposals for 47th CSMC Under PMAY 
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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Sl No.
|
|
State /UT
|
|
No of
Projects
|
|
Houses under
EWS

|
|
Over all
Investment

|
|
Central
Assistance

|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
80
|
|
10,079
|
|
312.62
|
|
151.19
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
114
|
|
20,903
|
|
1,316.04
|
|
273.43
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
18
|
|
8,674
|
|
323.64
|
|
128.61
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
62
|
|
5,021
|
|
186.49
|
|
75.32
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
19
|
|
8,314
|
|
319.97
|
|
124.71
|
|
|
|
6
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|
Punjab
|
|
90
|
|
10,332
|
|
318.02
|
|
154.98
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
34
|
|
2,822
|
|
55.50
|
|
42.33
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
158
|
|
26,709
|
|
939.00
|
|
400.64
|
|
|
|
9
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|
Uttarakhand
|
|
33
|
|
2,501
|
|
93.50
|
|
37.52
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
22
|
|
27,746
|
|
1,123.16
|
|
416.19
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
630
|
|
1,23,101
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|
4,987.93
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|
1,804.90
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|
So far an overall investment of Rs. 5.54 lakh crore has been approved which includes Rs. 3.01 lakh crore from the Central and State Governments while Rs. 2.53 lakh crore as the private investment.
The Central Government has committed Rs. 1.43 lakh crore of which Rs. 57,758 crore has already been released. About 53.5 lakh houses have been grounded for construction of which construction of more than 27 lakh houses have been completed. Shri Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary MoHUA, emphasized on efforts towards completion of projects to achieve “Housing for All” by 2022.
RJ/PS
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays floral tributes to Sir M Visvesvaraya in Chikkaballapur
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to Sir M Visvesvaraya in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka today.
Shri Modi is visiting Karnataka today.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Study of optical properties of super-massive black-hole can provide clue to emission mechanism from its close vicinity
Through 153 nights, 17 scientists from 9 countries in Europe and Asia including researchers from Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences , Nainital, an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology , Government of India took 2263 image frames and observed the changes in a very high energy gamma-ray emitting blazar ‘1ES 0806+524’ using seven optical telescopes in Europe and Asia.
A blazar is a feeding super-massive black-hole  in the heart of a distant galaxy that produces a high-energy jet viewed face-on from Earth. Blazars are one of the most luminous and energetic objects in the known universe with a jet composed of ionized matter traveling at nearly the speed of light directed very nearly towards an observer.
Dr. Ashwani Pandey, guided by Dr. Alok C. Gupta from ARIES in their study published in the Astrophysical Journal, has provided the most extensive observations of this blazar, thereby chalking out the detailed optical properties of the blazar. The team studied in great details 1ES 0806+524’ flux, color, and spectral index variations within a day and long timescales of the blazer and explained the mechanism behind the variations.
They explained the large flares as the result of propagation of a shock in the relativistic jet that accelerates electrons to high energies followed by subsequent cooling. According to their study, the small amplitude changes can be understood to arise from small variations in the viewing angle, and hence in the Doppler factor, caused by either wiggling or helical jets or the motion of the most intense emitting region on a roughly helical trajectory within the jet. Variations on intra-day timescales can be explained by the turbulence expected in a relativistic plasma jet according to the study.
In this age of multi-wavelength  time-domain astronomy in which the transient astronomical sources are of great interest due to their rapid change in flux and polarization. Simultaneous MW observation of a particular transient source on an extended period of time is important for understanding the emission mechanism in different electromagnetic  bands. Blazars are among one of the most favourite astronomical transient objects because they emit radiation in the complete EM spectrum, and their flux and polarization are highly variable.
, the Year 2020
For more details, Dr. Alok Chandra Gupta   can be contacted.)
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Payroll Reporting in India – A Formal Employment Perspective
The National Statistical Office , Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the press note on Employment Outlook of the country covering the period September, 2017 to February, 2020 based on the administrative records available with selected government agencies to assess the progress in certain dimensions. A detailed note is annexed.
Click here to see PDF on Payroll Reporting in India
Ministry of Defence
Indian Coast Guard rescues three stranded fishermen off Kannur
Indian Coast Guard  has rescued three fishermen stranded in a marooned Indian Fishing Boat  Badhriyain the Cyclone Tauktae ravaged sea off Kannur. In a swift and daring operation on the night of May 14, 2021, ICG ship Vikram rescued IFB Badhriya which had left Talessary Harbour on May09, 2021. The fishermen were provided medical emergency treatment onboard the ICG ship. ICG Headquarters No. 4 Kerala & Mahe coordinates the search and rescue operation in the state. District Commander DIG Sanatan Jena, TM said despite very rough sea conditions, ICG ships were out at sea rescuing the fishers trapped in rough sea and wind conditions.
Cyclone Tauktae, which left its impact off Kerala Coast, is now slowly and steadily moving up in northern direction. ICG ships were continuously patrolling the high seas shepherding the boats to safe waters and towards land. The ICG is continuously warning all fishermen about the deteriorating weather condition and impending cyclonic weather through Radar Stations and ICG aircraft patrolling the areas.
The ICG is once again provingits grit and determination by being the saviours, which is in line with its moto ‘Vayam Rakshamah’,i.e.‘We Protect’.
Ministry of Communications
India-ITU Joint Cyberdrill 2021 commences
Telecom Secretary Mr. K. Rajaraman emphasises need to work towards development of trusted manufacturing base and trusted supply chains
Over 400 participants participates from critical sectors, like power, insurance, finance, CERT-In and CSIRT, industry, academia, telecom sector
Department of Telecommunications  and International Telecommunication Union  have commenced India-ITU Joint Cyberdrill 2021. This Cyberdrill is intended for Indian entities especially Critical Network Infrastructure operators. It is a four days virtual event starting from 30 November to 3 December 2021.
Several high level speakers, panellists and experts from ITU, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime , INTERPOL, National Security Council Secretariat , Indian Computer Emergency Response Team  and other eminent organizations participated in the inaugural session. In her opening remarks, Ms Anita Praveen, Special Secretary, DoT stressed upon the need of safe and secure cyberspace in view of the large networks in India. She added that cyber security is a collective responsibility and it calls upon all stakeholders – Government, the cybersecurity community and businesses – to participate in building a resilient cyber environment.
Mr. K. Rajaraman, Chairman Digital Communication Commission and Secretary DoT addressed the eminent gathering of experts. During his inaugural address, he recalled the message of Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi delivered during ‘Sydney Dialogue’. Referring to important transitions taking place in India, he emphasized the need to work towards development of trusted manufacturing base and trusted supply chains as well as to deepen intelligence and operational cooperation on cyber security and protect critical information infrastructure.
Ms Atsuko Okuda, Director of ITU Regional Office, Asia and Pacific Region highlighted significant achievement of India in securing 10th rank in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index . Panellists and experts from organizations, industry and agencies made presentation on best practices and highlighted the policy initiatives of cybersecurity in India as well across globe.
More than 400 participants participated from critical sectors, namely, power, insurance, finance, CERT-In and CSIRT, industry, academia, telecom service providers and field units of DoT.
National Financial Reporting Authority
Consultation Paper on Statutory Audit and Auditing Standards for Micro, Small and Medium Companies 
India is unique among the big economies of the world in statutorily mandating compulsory audit for all companies, irrespective of their size and characteristics. In view of the significant role played by companies in India in the economic growth and development of the Nation, it is essential that the regulatory environment is conducive to support, and not burden, the growth in business and economic activities of these entities.
A preliminary analysis has been done by National Financial Reporting Authority  on the key financial parameters of the companies registered in India from their MCA-21 filings and it is found that the fees paid to auditors by a large majority of Micro, Small and Medium Companies  are way below what an audit, when performed in compliance with the letter and spirit of the Standards of Auditing, would require.
Major economies of the world require statutory audit for small companies only in case some minimum criteria of public interest are satisfied. Even in India, income tax audit is now not compulsory where the turnover is Rs. 10 crore or less provided not more than 5% of the transactions are in cash. GST audit has also been completely done away with.
It is, therefore, appropriate to revisit the requirement of compulsory statutory audit for all companies irrespective of their size and/or public interest. NFRA has prepared a Consultation Paper explaining the issues involved and providing the data and information required for responding to the questions raised in an informed manner, with the objective to seek the comments/suggestions of the wider stakeholder group and the public at large on questions raised. The last date for receipt of comments is 10th November, 2021. The comments may be submitted by email at: comments-tac.paper@nfra.gov.in
NFRA’s Consultation Paper on Statutory Audit and Auditing Standards for Micro, Small and Medium Companies  can be accessed on NFRA’s website at:
https://nfra.gov.in/sites/default/files/NFRAConsultationPaperMSMCs.pdf
About NFRA
National Financial Reporting Authority  was established by the Central Government in October 2018 under Section 132 of the Companies Act, 2013. An important function of NFRA under section 132 of the Companies Act, 2013 is to make recommendation to Central Government on the formulation and laying down of accounting and auditing policies and standards for adoption by companies or class of companies or their auditors.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 81.39 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 4.23 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs with nearly 86 Lakh doses in Pipeline
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccinemanufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
|
|
VACCINE DOSES
|
|

|
|
SUPPLIED
|
|
81,39,33,785
|
|
PIPELINE
|
|
85,92,550
|
|
BALANCE AVAILABLE
|
|
4,23,43,720
More than 81.39crore vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt of India  and through direct state procurement category.Further, nearly86Lakh doses  are in the pipeline.
More than4.23Cr balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Facility of Life Certificate by banks from the doorstep of the pensioners
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare , has taken a landmark step to make life easier for senior citizens to submit their Annual Life Certificate for continued pension. The Department vide its circular no. 12/4/2020-P&PW-6300, dated 17.01.2020 has issued directions to all the Pension Disbursing Banks to send SMSs/Emails to all their pensioners on 24th October, 1st November, 15th November and 25th November every year reminding them to submit their Annual Life Certificates by 30th November.
The Department for stricter monitoring in order to ensure that no pensioners are left out, directed all Pension Disbursing Banks to make an exception list as on 1st December every year of those pensioners who fail to submit their Life Certificate and issue another SMS/Email to them for submitting the Life Certificate. The bank in addition will also ask such pensioners through SMS/Email as to whether they are interested in submission of Life Certificate through a chargeable doorstep service, the charge not exceeding Rs.60/-.
The Central Pension Processing Cells  of the Pension Disbursing Banks shall now be duty bound to submit a report to DoPPW in the month of January, February & March respectively, indicating the total number of pensioners who have not given their Life Certificate along with a breakup of the Certificates submitted physically and through Digital means.
The above is a landmark step from the side of the Central Government showing due care for pensioners. This step is in addition to the order issued recently dated 18.07.2019 vide which all pensioners age 80 years and above have been given an exclusive window to submit their Life Certificate w.e.f. 1st October every year instead of 1st November every year.